Little Joe Isbell Born:  August 13, 1916 Died:  January 30, 2008 WRVA Old Dominion Barn Dance WSB Barn Dance WCKY Cincinnati, OH WLS Chicago, IL WLW Cincinnati, OH WRVA Richmond, VA WSB Atlanta, GA

About The Artist We find mention of Little Joe Isbell as he was known in several publications in the mid-1940s. Evidence indicates he was known a bit for his yodeling abilities. Several mentions were found, including author Wayne Daniel's "Pickin' on Peachtree" that indicated Little Joe was at one time part of the WSB Barn Dance in Atlanta, Georgia. In fact, Cowboy Music World listed Little Joe as one of the candidates for Cowboy Yodeler of the Year in one of its 1945 editions. And in that group were some interesting names like Gene Autry, Elton Britt, Jerry Smith, Kenny Roberts, Zeke Clements, Smilie Sutter, Skeets Yaney and Wilf Carter among others. Around 1946 or so, Little Joe was a part of the Tacoma Barn Dance gang that was in the Cincinnati area. One article back then featured the group, not for the musical show, but for a vacation trip up to Thunder Bay for a bit of relaxation and fishing. We learn a bit in another issue that the group traveling together on that trip was known as the Thunder River Boys and was lead by Walter Sweet. Nicola and Rose Fantetti reported they were on a ten-day trip to Thunder Bay, Michigan and would do personal appearances "here and there" while staying at the cottage they rented for their stay. Other folks on that trip were Harold Baker, Paul Deal who was being heard over WHIO in Dayton, Jack Rodgers who was visiting for a few days before heading back to Hollywood, California, Bug Fuzz from WSB as was Little Joe. Walter was also known for his comedic character known as Lemrock Plushbottom. Buddy Starcher's fan club newsletter noted in 1949 that he was in Chicago at the time working at the Bismarck Hotel in the Swiss Chalet and was billed as a "Swiss Yodeler" as opposed to being touted as a yodeler in country music. Credits & Sources Cowboy Music World; Vol. 1 No. 6; March - April 1945; New York National Hillbilly News; Vol. II No. 4; November 1946; Poster Show Print Co.; Huntington, WV National Hillbilly News; Vol. 2 No. 9; July-August 1947; Poster Show Print Co.; Huntington, WV Buddy Starcher Fan Club Newsletter; Vol. 1 No. 1; January - February - March 1949; Buddy Starcher Fan Club; Marietta, Ohio Appearance History This Month

Printer Friendly Version

Recordings (78rpm/45rpm)   Folk Rec. No. Side Song Title   109 A Dear John   109 B Shine, Shave, Shower   117 A Cold, Cold Heart   117 B Unknown